North Charlotte Today

Working together, Charlotte Fire and community volunteers moved coats from collection points to distribution centers on a brisk winter day.

For more than a decade, Charlotte Fire has extended its services beyond extinguishing flames by working to keep children warm during the coldest months. This year’s participation in the WSOC-TV Coats for Kids drive continued that tradition, with Charlotte Fire collecting hundreds of coats at firehouses across the city.

Since this partnership began, Charlotte Fire has helped distribute tens of thousands of coats to children in need. Fire Chief Reginald Johnson highlighted the importance of this effort, stating, “We see the impact of these donations firsthand. Every coat collected represents a child staying warm and a family receiving relief from an added financial burden. This is what being part of a community is all about.”

As temperatures drop into the twenties, the need for warm clothing becomes apparent. For families struggling financially, buying coats for growing children can be costly.

Tovi Martin, Director of Communications for Crisis Assistance Ministry, emphasized the initiative's value: “This partnership makes it so much easier for community members across the area to participate. Almost everyone has a firehouse nearby where they can drop off new or gently used coats to help out their neighbors.”

Martin added that providing winter coats helps families save money for other essential expenses like utilities or rent: “By helping families with this expense, we’re all working together to keep kids warm and their homes stable during winter.”

The community’s response was significant, with donations filling barrels at firehouses citywide. On the final day of this year’s drive, a Charlotte Fire van filled with coats was joined by additional vehicles to ensure every donated item reached Crisis Assistance Ministry.

Cedric Thomas, Vice President and General Manager of WSOC-TV praised Charlotte Fire's involvement: “Charlotte Fire plays a critical role in the continued success of WSOC’s Coats for Kids drive. We know the men and women of Charlotte Fire see the need for warm coats firsthand every day when they respond to emergencies.”

Chief Johnson echoed that sentiment: “This is more than just a coat drive. It’s a demonstration of the strength and compassion of our community."

Looking ahead, Charlotte Fire is already planning future initiatives while hundreds of children will face winter weather warmer thanks to efforts by Charlotte Fire, WSOC-TV, and local residents.